South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol narrowly avoided impeachment on Saturday after the opposition-led parliament failed to secure enough votes to move forward with the motion. The impeachment was prompted by Yoon's controversial attempt earlier this week to impose martial law.
The vote, held amidst high tension, saw only 195 lawmakers participate, falling short of the 200-vote quorum needed for it to count. Members of Yoon's party boycotted the session, effectively derailing the impeachment effort.
The motion was led by the main opposition Democratic Party, which has vowed to reintroduce the impeachment proposal next week.
The political storm erupted on Tuesday when Yoon shocked the nation by granting the military sweeping emergency powers to target what he described as "anti-state forces" and to counteract obstructionist political opponents. The order was quickly rescinded amid public outrage and criticism from lawmakers.
In a televised address on Saturday morning, Yoon apologized for the decision but rejected growing calls for his resignation. “I acted in the interest of the nation, but I acknowledge that my approach was misjudged,” he said, urging unity amidst ongoing political turmoil.
The failed impeachment highlights deep divisions within South Korea’s political landscape, with concerns mounting over the balance of power and the country’s democratic stability. Opposition leaders have signaled their intent to escalate efforts to hold Yoon accountable, setting the stage for continued political conflict.
The vote, held amidst high tension, saw only 195 lawmakers participate, falling short of the 200-vote quorum needed for it to count. Members of Yoon's party boycotted the session, effectively derailing the impeachment effort.
The motion was led by the main opposition Democratic Party, which has vowed to reintroduce the impeachment proposal next week.
The political storm erupted on Tuesday when Yoon shocked the nation by granting the military sweeping emergency powers to target what he described as "anti-state forces" and to counteract obstructionist political opponents. The order was quickly rescinded amid public outrage and criticism from lawmakers.
In a televised address on Saturday morning, Yoon apologized for the decision but rejected growing calls for his resignation. “I acted in the interest of the nation, but I acknowledge that my approach was misjudged,” he said, urging unity amidst ongoing political turmoil.
The failed impeachment highlights deep divisions within South Korea’s political landscape, with concerns mounting over the balance of power and the country’s democratic stability. Opposition leaders have signaled their intent to escalate efforts to hold Yoon accountable, setting the stage for continued political conflict.
